Large crowds began filling the streets of Buenos Aires from the early hours of Monday morning, with thousands of people gathering around the Monument to the Spaniards in Palermo, many of whom spent the night outdoors to secure a place at a mass by Pope Leo XIV.
The 11.30am celebration is one of the highlights of the pontiff's visit to Argentina, which began on Sunday.
Pilgrims arrived with sleeping bags, blankets and flags, while guitars, Catholic songs, prayers and laughter accompanied an overnight vigil along Avenida del Libertador. Some of the religious chants bore a resemblance to football terrace songs.
The crowds stretched from Palermo towards Belgrano, with Argentine flags and banners in the Vatican colours filling the streets. Many held signs bearing the message: "Welcome everyone, go forth and spread the word."
"We've come from La Plata with the whole family. It's deeply moving and historic," said one man waiting for the Pope.
Also among the faithful was Nadia and her son Facundo. They said their greatest hope is “to see him pass by and enjoy this moment, which is unique and unrepeatable!"
The most frequently heard cry amid the growing excitement was simple: "Long live the Pope, Pope Leo!"
The Mass is expected to draw a huge congregation. Organisers have prepared more than 2,000 chalices and over 500,000 consecrated communion wafers for the occasion.
Leo's busy schedule began in the morning with a visit to the Pequeño Cottolengo Don Orione in Claypole, in Buenos Aires province, where more than 400 people with disabilities live.
The Pope travelled through parts of the metropolitan area in his Popemobile to the delight of crowds lining the streets before arriving at the centre, where he was due to walk through its grounds and deliver a short address.
He was also scheduled to meet Buenos Aires Province Governor Axel Kicillof and members of his provincial cabinet in Claypole, with singer Abel Pintos providing a musical performance.
Following the Mass in Palermo, due to conclude around 1pm, the pontiff's afternoon programme includes a meeting with representatives of the world of work at the Catholic University of Argentina (UCA) in Puerto Madero at around 4pm.
He will then meet leaders of Christian communities and other religious traditions at the Palacio San Martín before attending evening prayers with Argentina's bishops at the Metropolitan Cathedral at 6.45pm.
The day will conclude with a dinner with the country's bishops.
President Javier Milei and his Cabinet will have a designated area at the Palermo mass, alongside representatives of the Buenos Aires City government, with around 250 national and 250 City officials invited.
People with disabilities, members of the choir and journalists will also be present, along with the adoring crowds.
– TIMES/PERFIL/NA
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